Chinese consulate in San Francisco condemns arson attack

A map shows the approximate location of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco.

A map shows the approximate location of the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. (Google Maps)

Jason Wells

The Chinese Consulate in San Francisco called on the U.S. to provide "adequate protection" for its staff and property after someone reportedly dumped two buckets of gasoline on the front entrance and set it ablaze on New Year's Day.

The arson attack was carried out at 9:25 p.m. by a person who got out of a minivan in front of the main entrance in the 1400 block of Laguna Street, according to a statement issued by the consulate. A fire dispatcher told KGO-TV that the blaze was reported a few minutes later and brought under control by 9:42 p.m.

The fire caused "severe" damage to the facility, the consulate said, but no injuries were reported.

In its statement, the Chinese consulate called the attack a "despicable act" and asked the U.S. to provide "adequate protection" for its staff and property. It also called on authorities to bring those responsible for the attack to justice "as soon as possible."

Chinese officials were working with the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and San Francisco police as part of the investigation.